BLACKPINK's Lisa embroiled in 'Blackfishing' controversy: Fans accuse singer of darkening skin tone for Rockstar music video
Lisa of BLACKPINK is facing backlash for sporting two different skin tones in her new songs, Rockstar and Born Again. Many believe that since Rockstar has a hip-hop vibe, the singer went for a 'Black' skin tone, while she sports her natural soft look for 'Born Again.' The topic has now sparked a heated debate online.
Lisa, a member of the popular K-pop group BLACKPINK, has recently released a new collaboration track titled "Born Again" featuring Doja Cat and Raye from her upcoming album Alter Ego, set to drop on February 28. The music video for the track showcases Lisa's old Hollywood glamour, with the singer exuding classic vibes in several scenes.
However, the music video has sparked an online debate among fans, who have noticed a significant difference in Lisa's skin tone between her new look and one of her previous releases. Fans have taken to social media to compare the two looks, with some expressing concern and disappointment over the apparent discrepancy.
Lisa's different skin tones spark backlash
In June 2024, Lisa made her highly anticipated solo comeback with the release of her first single, Rockstar, from her upcoming album Alter Ego. However, the excitement surrounding her return was marred by controversy when some fans accused her of "blackfishing" due to her visuals in some of the teasers released.
The controversy surrounding the singer's visuals in Rockstar has resurfaced with the release of her Born Again. In the music video for her new single, Lisa's appearance is noticeably different from her previous release, with a softer and more natural look.
Now, fans and critics have noticed the significant difference in her skin tone, which appears much paler than it did in the Rockstar teasers.
Lisa was accused of cultural appropriation
The change in Lisa's visuals between her two releases, Rockstar and Born Again, has sparked accusations of cultural appropriation. While the difference in her appearance may not be conclusive evidence, many fans have pointed out that the change coincides with a shift in her music style. Rockstar had a more hip-hop concept, which is a genre deeply rooted in Black culture, whereas Born Again leans more towards pop, which the internet has dubbed as white girl music.
A post shared by an X user highlighting the same has gone viral. Sharing Lisa's looks from Born Again and Rockstar, the user wrote, "She is Black when she wants to be a rapper, and she is white when she wants to be a pop girl."
She is black when she wants to be a rapper and she is white when she wants to be a "pop girl" https://t.co/GGEujSMG6F
！ hinata (@bluebvrriesss) February 7, 2025
The post has since gone viral, with over 14.8 views, 278k likes, and 1.4k comments. Many have also reshared the post to share their opinion on the matter.
"Since 2019 she's been doing cultural appropriation, and her fans always blame a fandom for exposing her racist ass," one user wrote.
Another commented, "This is why I would never get into K-pop. These people bait Black outrage. They pretend to be offended by fan wars but are quiet when actual issues affecting the Black community need support."
This is why I would never get into kpop. These ppl bait black outrage. They pretend to be offended for fan wars but are quiet when actual issues affecting the black community need support. https://t.co/KE2V5Xqfkk
！ Ibookingluvu (@ibookingluvu) February 8, 2025
"The problem isn't that she can switch between those two skin tones; most people can do that. The problem is that Lisa switches skin color (AND HAIR STYLE AND FASHION) according to the song, to the "ghetto vibes". I still haven't forgotten Pink Venom rap lmao," a third wrote.
the problem isn't that she can switch between those two skin tones, most people can do that, the problem is that lisa switches skin color (AND HAIRTSTYLE AND FASHION) according to the song, to the "ghetto vibes". i still haven't forgotten pink venom rap lmao https://t.co/W600Yq6ZeJ pic.twitter.com/1eKK0ShlgX
！ shellyann (@shelly_annao3) February 8, 2025
Another commented, "The thing I noticed with Lisa is that whenever she wants to be a "rapper, she has darker skin, baggy clothes, and a fake blaccent. But when she wants to do a pop/softer song, she has paler skin and no blaccent. It's obvious what she's doing."
the thing I noticed with lisa is that whenever she wants to be a "rapper" she has darker skin, baggy clothes, fake blaccent. But when she wants to do a pop/softer song she has paler skin and no blaccent. It's obvious what she's doing https://t.co/26ILU5p6sH
！ ???? (@irohadni) February 7, 2025
However, another section of the internet came out in Lisa's defense, with users saying she's not Black but sporting her natural tan in Rockstar. Few also said it was just part of the photographer's concept.
Lisa was WHITE when shooting but later on Edited as Black by the photographer who is known for doing this with many other artists too https://t.co/kkssJHTjLG pic.twitter.com/kCVnBaqjXh
！ ?? (@dIorcistic) February 7, 2025
This crazy bitches are accusing Ls of cultural appropriation meanwhile they are being racist and xenophobic towards her in their private accounts and their group of chat.
！ savage_mara (@SavageM23685) February 8, 2025
RATmys and jendogs are the worst shit of earth.
In photography there's something call ??LIGHTENING ?? https://t.co/4ZOo5osGVE pic.twitter.com/la5Mbtz9DO
Lisa had announced her new album, Alter Ego, in November, revealing it showcases five different characters (Roxi, Kiki, Vixi, Sunni, and Speedi) representing a unique personality.
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As an Entertainment Content Writer with 3+ Years of experience, I have been keeping a keen eye on who wore what. A self confessed Koreaboo, I am your fangirl next door. Ps: I take pride in saying that I grew up watching "It's Controversial" as a kid.
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